I haven't been fishing for almost two years due to heart problems, but I'm about ready to wet a line again. I want to get a new spinning reel, but there are so many not sure which way to go. I was thinking about a g.loomis rod, but not sure if they are worth the expense. I have a falcon and St. Croix rods which I really like.I don't have a boat so my fishing is from shore. Mostly for bass cats or actually anything that will grab the hook. Thank you very much for any advice you can provide.

When I bank fish (and use a spinning rod) I use a G. Loomis IMX med 6'6" paired with a Shimano Stradic Ci4 in 1000 size. 20lb braid w floro leader. I know it's overkill, but I love to fish. It's the best spinning setup I've ever had.

If you don't want to spend $220 on a reel then I suggest Shimano Sahara @$79 or Pflueger President @$59. Either one is great and hard to beat for the price.

Thank you so far for the advice. I might stick with a St Croix rod. Have to get a new one because the one I have now is a bait caster and I am terrible at using a bait cast reel. I always end up with a backlash.

Falcon and St Croix are awesome rods. I have owned just about every rod at some point, but I have never sold any of my Falcons and Croixs!

If you are having issues with the baitcaster, it could be the reel and not you. The reel needs to be adjusted to prevent free spinning when casting or the lure is falling through the water. Turn the brakes and the tension on the reels so that the lure has to unwind the line and simply the weight of the lure won't cause a free spin and backlash!

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Capt. Craig CopelandLicensed by the US Coast Guard